Supported Desktop Operating Systems

In general, SAS Computing seeks to support the same products that are recommended by ISC.

However, especially where operating systems are concerned, SAS Computing sometimes makes recommendations and decisions regarding support that may differ from those of ISC. Please be aware that these choices are driven both by technical considerations and by the limitations of our staffing levels. We are simply not in a position to be able to support all new operating systems soon after they are released. There are also times when the minimal advantages of a new release simply do not justify expending significant staff time to provide full support, when this time could be better spent on other higher priority support activities.

The table below summarizes what SAS Computing currently recommends and supports for operating systems. More details regarding some of the issues involved follow. Please also see the information regarding SAS Computing Hardware Support and Desktop Computer Purchasing.

Please also see our information regarding desktop security.

Last Updated: January 2008

Platform
Version
 Recommendation Support Level Future Plans
Windows
2000
 Not recommended. Migrate ASAP. Minimal  
 
XP Home
 Not recommended, except for home use. Minimal No Full Support anticipated.
 
XP Pro
 Recommended for all new machines. Full  
 
Vista

Due to continued lack of compatibility with certain University standard applications, Windows Vista is not currently recommended. Only minimal support is currently available.

 Minimal Full support anticipated Winter 2008.
 
 
      
Mac OS
9.x
 Not recommended. Migrate ASAP. Minimal  
 
10.2
 Use only where currently installed. Full  
 
10.3
 Use only where currently installed. Full  
 
10.4
 Use only where currently installed. Full  
 
10.5
 Recommended for all new machines. Full  
 
 
      
Linux
All

Not recommended if SASC support required.

 None Local support available in some departments.

Explanation of Support Status terms:

  • Full - the standard support for all recommended platforms. SASC staff will have expertise for these platforms and will not limit support for them.
  • Minimal - only minimal efforts will be expended by SAS Computing staff to support this product, and we make no claims to expertise in doing so. If significant effort is required to solve a problem due to the use of the non-recommended product, SASC will generally recommend that the user move to a supported platform or seek support elsewhere. Security configuration of the machine will generally be the user's responsibility, and any initial configuration may be as well.
  • None - SAS Computing staff will not expend efforts to support this (typically long obsolete or very new) product.

Specific Issues:

Linux

  • Not recommended because unlikely to be adopted by large percentage of those supported by SASC
  • Some support is provided by some LSP's